PCMC Draft Development Plan: Proposes Minimum 12-Metre Roads and Metro Parking Zones
The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has made an important move to improve the city’s future infrastructure. PCMC commissioner and administrator Shekhar Singh approved a draft of the revised development plan (DP) in a recent meeting. This draft plan will be shared with the public online and at the municipal office for review. It focuses on meeting the city’s infrastructure needs and tackling urban challenges for the next 20 years.
Comprehensive Development Planning for a Growing City
This revised DP marks a milestone as it is the first comprehensive plan that encompasses the entire PCMC jurisdiction, including areas that were merged after the city’s original formation. The draft plan covers approximately 173.24 square kilometers, consolidating earlier development plans to provide a unified roadmap for urban growth and infrastructure development.
The need for a revised development plan stems from the rapid growth in population and urban expansion. According to the PCMC, the population of Pimpri Chinchwad stood at 17 lakh as per the 2011 census. However, projections indicate a sharp rise, with estimates suggesting the population will reach 42.4 lakh by 2031 and an estimated 61 lakh by 2041. The current infrastructure, planned decades ago, needs urgent updating and expansion to accommodate this growth.
Road Infrastructure: Minimum Widths and New Provisions
One of the key features of the draft DP is the specification of road widths to ease traffic flow and improve accessibility. The plan mandates that all newly developed roads in the city will have a minimum width of 18 meters, ensuring adequate space for smooth vehicle movement and pedestrian safety.
For areas identified as densely populated, the minimum road width has been set at 12 meters. This provision acknowledges the constraints in older and congested localities while still promoting wider roads to reduce bottlenecks. In addition to roads, the draft includes designated spaces for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, reflecting the city’s commitment to adopting environmentally friendly transportation alternatives.
Dedicated Facilities for Public Transport and Cultural Events
The draft DP also highlights the integration of public transport facilities, with specific reservations for parking spaces for the Pune Metro. The proposed Metro route — spanning from Nigdi to Chakan — will have dedicated parking and support infrastructure to encourage the use of mass transit and reduce congestion on the roads.
Furthermore, the plan takes cultural considerations into account. Pimpri Chinchwad is known for the annual Wari procession, a religious pilgrimage that draws thousands of devotees. The revised DP proposes two designated halting spots for the Wari, facilitating smoother management of the procession and minimizing disruptions to city life.
Other Key Amenities and Urban Facilities
To further support the city’s growing population and industrial activities, the draft DP includes plans for a truck terminus, an intercity bus stand, a multimodal transport hub, and a sports complex. These developments aim to improve transportation connectivity, recreational options, and overall urban livability.
The Process Behind the Revised Development Plan
The process to revise the DP began in 2019, with PCMC collaborating closely with the Pimpri Chinchwad New Town Development Authority (PCNTDA), which was merged with PCMC in 2021. A private consultancy firm from Ahmedabad was appointed to prepare the draft using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, ensuring detailed spatial analysis and data accuracy.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and election-related delays—including the 2023 Chinchwad bypoll and 2024 general elections—the state government extended the validity of the previous DP. The current plan was set to expire on May 18, 2025. The new draft, therefore, is timely and considers 2021 as its base year, with an outlook extending 20 years into the future.
Once published, the draft DP will be open for public inspection and comments for 60 days. Citizens, residents' associations, and other stakeholders are encouraged to submit their objections and suggestions. This participatory approach aims to ensure that the plan addresses the concerns and aspirations of the community.
Following the public consultation period, a seven-member committee will be formed, including three standing committee members of PCMC and four independent experts. This committee will review the feedback, conduct hearings, and suggest necessary amendments.
The revised DP will then be submitted to the state government for final approval before it becomes legally binding.
PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh highlighted that the revised development plan places significant emphasis on enhancing essential infrastructure components, including roads, drainage systems, water supply, and green spaces. The plan is designed to ensure the city can effectively accommodate its expanding population by promoting sustainable and well-organized growth.
The integration of new technologies, public transport planning, and cultural accommodations in the draft DP reflects a comprehensive vision for Pimpri Chinchwad’s urban future. With public participation and expert input, the revised plan is poised to guide the city’s growth and improve the quality of life for its residents over the next two decades.
